Autumn Fair has unveiled the first details of its 2026 content programme, including the launch of its brand-new Counter Talks Stage, a dedicated platform designed to tackle the issues, trends and commercial realities shaping modern independent retail. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 6–9 September 2026, Autumn Fair's new content offering has been built in response to the findings of the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report by Spring & Autumn Fair and Faire, which surveyed 650 independent retailers and more than 2,000 UK consumers to uncover what is really driving growth on Britain's high streets.
Posted: 30 June 2026
Gibsons, the UK-based family games and puzzle company, has announced a major sustainability milestone: the protection of 2 million trees through purchases made on its website, in partnership with environmental organisation One Tribe.
Since launching the partnership, every puzzle or game purchased directly from the Gibsons website has contributed to rainforest protection, helping to safeguard biodiversity and reduce CO emissions. The milestone reflects the collective impact of conscious consumer choices and Gibsons' ongoing commitment to putting people and planet at the heart of its business. As a Certified B Corporation, Gibsons is committed to using business as a force for good.
Posted: 30 June 2026
Spring & Autumn Fair, in partnership with Faire, has revealed new insight showing that community-building is emerging as one of the most powerful and underused growth drivers for independent retailers. The findings, taken from the recently launched Voices of Retail 2026 report, show that 46% of consumers actively choose retailers that create a sense of community, while 89% of retailers who collaborate with other businesses report positive commercial impact, including increased footfall, stronger brand awareness and new customer acquisition. Despite the proven benefits, just 23% of retailers are actively collaborating today.
Posted: 23 June 2026
The Giftware Association has joined more than 80 of the UK's leading retail CEOs in urging the Prime Minister to take immediate action to address growing barriers to youth employment. In a joint letter coordinated by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), industry leaders warn that rising employment costs, increased regulation, and ongoing economic pressures are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to hire young people. The letter highlights the urgent need for government intervention to prevent a deepening youth unemployment crisis and to safeguard vital entry-level job opportunities across the retail sector.
Posted: 18 June 2026
With less than four weeks to go until the inaugural London Home Fragrance Show opens its doors, organisers have unveiled the full seminar schedule for its Fragrance Forum, giving visitors even more reason to register for the UK's first trade exhibition dedicated exclusively to the home fragrance sector.
Taking place on 9-10 July at the Business Design Centre in London, the event will bring together brands, retailers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers from across the home fragrance industry for two days of sourcing, networking and market insight. The show is expected to become a key annual meeting point for a sector now worth more than £1 billion in the UK.
Posted: 17 June 2026
The Giftware Association (GA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Illingworth of Widdop & Co. as its new Chair, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for the association and the wider home and gift industry. The announcement was made at this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in the historic setting of Warwick Castle, bringing together industry leaders from across the sector. The event was hosted in collaboration with the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) and welcomed representatives from across its associated trade bodies, highlighting the strength and unity of the UK's creative industries.
Posted: 16 June 2026
The Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA) has elected Claire White of Antalis as President, the first woman to hold the role since the Association was founded in 1947. The appointment was confirmed at SDEA's 79th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 27th May 2026. Claire White was elected President having served as Vice President over the past year, and as a council member before that. She succeeds Mark Chatterton of Morplan, who steps down after his term in the role. James North of Northbanks Design was elected Vice President.
Posted: 11 June 2026
Applications for the Nation's Favourite Businesses has opened as part of the upcoming celebrations of this year's Small Business Saturday UK, taking place on 5 December 2026. The Nation's Favourite Businesses (NFB), first introduced last year to spotlight the UK's vibrant small business community, will replace the long-running SmallBiz100, a celebration of Britain's most inspiring entrepreneurs as part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday UK - a grassroots non-commercial campaign, originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the principal supporter in the UK.
Posted: 4 June 2026
More than 6,000 businesses have already signed up to support UK Small Business Week 2026 within days of its pre-launch campaign, with thousands more expected to join before the national movement officially begins next week.
The initiative, created by Nigel Botterill's Entrepreneurs Circle, is calling on Britain to get behind the small businesses keeping towns, high streets and local economies alive.
Running from June 1–7, UK Small Business Week aims to celebrate the real people behind Britain's independent businesses while encouraging consumers to actively support them.
"Small businesses are the people opening up early, staying late and taking risks every single day," said Botterill.
Posted: 28 May 2026
Britain's local retailers are powered by loyal regulars who generate them up to five times more annual revenue as they typically return to a business 11 times throughout the year, according to research from Square, the global technology company. For high street retailers specifically, the Square Local Economy Report reveals that UK consumers most often visit their local retailers and shops, over and above cafés, restaurants and beauty salons, with 70% shopping locally at least weekly. This is the highest rate across the four countries Square surveyed, compared to the US, Australia and Canada.
Posted: 28 May 2026